Imperial Patrol Trooper - SW [S] - 12-Inch Figures

We’re a little disappointed in Hasbro. But let us explain why. We’re glad to see the Imperial Patrol Trooper immortalized as an action figure, but did they have to go right to the 12-Inch Figure scale on their first try? If there is one figure that needs 3.75” and 6” love, it’s the Imperial Patrol Trooper. Sure, we’re getting this character in a future wave of the Star Wars [Solo] line, but why wasn’t he part of the first wave? A perfect homogenized blend of a Biker Scout and the standard Stormtrooper, it’s great to see Disney create faithful Original Trilogy-inspired Imperials for the new standalone films that are believable as if they were just “off screen.” The Imperial Patrol Trooper has made an appearance through Disney Star Wars rumor sites and in photos that escaped the set without Disney approval. But more importantly, the Imperial Patrol Trooper (and his vehicle) make a cameo appearance in the Solo: A Star Wars Story trailer. The character is immediately reminiscent of the “Endor chase” from Return Of The Jedi, but this time in an industrial area instead. The Imperial Patrol Trooper is a pretty cool trooper. We’re excited to see what role they play in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Because the Imperial Patrol Trooper is so “big,” you can appreciate the detail of this character very much. Again, you’ll see a strong resemblance to a Scout Trooper here, but with a “face” that more mirrors an Imperial Stormtrooper. It’s going to be a hit action figure once Hasbro develops it into more common and popular scales. The Imperial Patrol Trooper feels like it belongs in The Force Unleashed video game too. There is something about Imperials troopers with strong and bold color flashes on their helmets that give it a video game vibe. The same was true for the troopers in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. But now that these characters are part of the official Star Wars canon, it’s been fun seeing how the inspiration from the old Expanded Universe is penetrating the modern Disney Star Wars character development. The Imperial Patrol Trooper 12-Inch Figure follows the same standard format of previous figures released in this line. The figure comes with simple articulation which includes a ball-socket head, two swivel shoulders, and two swivel hips. The addition of two swivel wrists helps the figure achieve believable aiming when the EC-17 hold-out blaster.

Although the Imperial Patrol Trooper strongly resembled the Scout Trooper and the Stormtrooper (both from Return Of The Jedi), it also resembles the Imperial Hovertank Driver from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story too. This is evident from the waist down. Unlike the Biker Scout, the Imperial Patrol Trooper doesn’t have a holster on its boot to house the EC-17 hold-out blaster when it isn’t in use. Thankfully, Hasbro designed both hands on this figure to accommodate the included EC-17 blaster pistol. Oh, and the EC-17 hold-out blaster is beautifully designed too. Hasbro does an incredible job of providing detail to figures that lack appropriate mobility. It’s an interesting trend. Overall, we’re quite happy with the Imperial Patrol Trooper, and we are excited to see it in the 5POA line. Also, it’s addition to The Vintage Collection would be a wise decision for Hasbro too. The Imperial Patrol Trooper comes in a case assortment with other main characters from Solo: A Star Wars Story in addition to Kylo Ren from the Star Wars [The Last Jedi] line, but in new Star Wars [Solo] packaging. If you like bigger action figures, you should give the Imperial Patrol Trooper a try!